The Heat officially became the winners of the 2011/12 NBA season last night, but now the focus shifts to the 2012 offseason, and the Hornets have a good chance to turn into the summer's big winners. After landing the No. 1 overall pick in May's draft lottery, the Hornets pulled off the offseason's first trade this week, dumping Emeka Okafor's and Trevor Ariza's big contracts, and even landing a second-round pick in the process. What's the next step for New Orleans? John Reid of the Times Picayune has the latest Hornets rumors right here….
- "All indications" point toward the Hornets being prepared to match any offer for restricted free agent Eric Gordon, even if it means signing him to a maximum-salary deal.
- The Hornets appear unlikely to pursue a new contract for unrestricted free agent Chris Kaman, says Reid.
- Reid names Willie Green, Omer Asik, Goran Dragic, D.J. Augustin, and Rudy Fernandez as a few potential targets for the Hornets this summer in free agency.
- Coach Monty Williams on the Hornets' needs: "We could probably use a couple more veteran guys who understand the day in and day out of dealing with me and the kind of practices we execute every day. It takes a certain kind of leadership, and along with talent, I think you have to add guys who understand what it takes to be a pro. If we can add some sound vets that understand what we’re trying to do, that would be good as well."
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